Fans say Japanese coach is not suited to Vietnamese football

Vietnam’s under-20 team is close to elimination from the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup after two defeats in Group C, and fans have directed much of their anger at head coach Yutaka Ikeuchi.

Vietnam lost 3-0 to North Korea and 2-1 to Palestine at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho. Supporters described the team’s display against Palestine, considered a more evenly matched opponent, as especially disappointing. Comments criticized players for holding the ball too long, losing possession, misplacing passes and lacking physical strength.

Some fans also questioned the players’ composure and finishing. One commenter said the team ran without knowing where or to whom to pass, while another criticized repeated shots into defenders followed by weak rebounds. Others compared the under-20 side unfavorably with Vietnam’s under-17 team, saying the younger players appeared calmer and showed better game understanding.

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The Japanese coach is not suited to Vietnamese football.

The criticism extended beyond the players. Several supporters called for Ikeuchi to be replaced, arguing that his tactics produced possession and midfield combinations but little threat in attack or security in defense. Some said Vietnam should appoint a younger coach, while others described the Japanese coach as unsuitable for Vietnamese football.

One commenter questioned Vietnam’s decade-long effort to learn from Japanese experts, citing Ikeuchi and former national coach Philippe Troussier as examples and asking what Vietnamese football had gained or lost from that path. The debate has intensified as the under-20 team’s qualifying campaign has produced two losses and a performance many supporters viewed as lacking direction.

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From the coach to the players, the performance was very poor. The worst was the goalkeeper. The Japanese coach does not seem suitable, and I propose appointing a new coach.